Ralph Vaughan Williams, one of the greatest English composers, held strong views on many musical subjects which he did not hesitate to express in plain, vigorous prose. National Music and Other Essays contains, in book form, all Vaughan Williams's writings that he thought worth preserving, including essays on the theme of nationalism in music, the evolution of the folk song, and the origins of music, as well as pieces on individual composers and their works, such as Beethoven, Holst, Bach, Sibelius, Bax, and Elgar. Throughout, his common sense combines with a true composer's sensitivity to produce writings of an enduring interest and originality. For this edition, Michael Kennedy has written a new introduction and has added various essays on a wide variety of subjects.

National Music and Other Essays (Oxford Paperbacks)

Vaughan Williams, Ralph

Vaughan Williams, Ursula

Oxford University Press

National music,: And other essays

Arts & Photography

Music

Fantasia (Quasi Variazione) on the "Old 104th" Psalm Tune - study score

Oxford University Press, London

Ralph Vaughan Williams held strong views on many musical subjects. He never hesitated to express his views in plain, vigorous prose, and he became well-known for his essays, which combine typical common sense with a true composer's sensitivity. This collection contains all his writings that he thought worth preserving in book form. Topics include nationalism in music, the evolution of folk-song, and the origins of music, as well individual composers like Beethoven, Gustav Holst, Bach, Sibelius, Arnold Bax, and Elgar. Also included are more general reflections on the making of music, its purpose and effects, and the social foundations of music.

National Music and other Essays

An outstanding leader in England's twentieth-century musical renaissance, Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958) sought inspiration in English folk song and in the sights and sounds of his native country. A London Symphony, the composer's most colorful orchestral work and his own favorite among his first six symphonies, features echoes of street sounds and cries, including a Cockney accordion and the chimes of Big Ben. Nevertheless, Vaughan Williams wrote of this symphony, "The music is intended to be self-expressive and must stand or fall as 'absolute music.'" Its successful fulfillment of his ambition has been widely agreed upon since its 1914 debut. The composer revised the music in subsequent years, but in 1951 — while reworking the orchestration of his other symphonies — he left this work alone, perhaps reluctant to tamper further with its profound originality, rich and picturesque scoring, and balanced structure. Musicians and music lovers will appreciate this inexpensive and authoritative edition of Vaughan Williams' masterpiece.

A London Symphony in Full Score (Dover Orchestral Music Scores)

Dover Publications

The music of English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958) continues to enjoy great popularity around the world. Indeed, the title piece of this collection is one of the most widely performed and recorded compositions in the modern era. Now the complete score of the Fantasia, which was inspired by a melody that originated with the Renaissance-era composer Thomas Tallis, is available in this inexpensive collection. Additional selections include the frequently performed Norfolk Rhapsody No. 1, Overture to "The Wasps," and the Fantasia on Christmas Carols. Highlighted by the great Tallis piece, this excellent and representative collection is reproduced from authoritative early editions and offers an important addition to the score collections of all lovers of fine music.

Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis and Other Works for Orchestra in Full Score (Dover Orchestral Music Scores)

Mass in G Minor

Faber Music Ltd

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

English Folk-songs

History

Legare Street Press

Three Preludes for Organ

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Vaughan Williams, Ralph. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Vaughan Williams, Ralph